PressClub Ireland · Article.
The new BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive – the first-ever BMW M3 Touring.
Wed Jun 22 00:01:00 CEST 2022 Press Release
• First-ever BMW M3 Touring blends blistering performance with everyday practicality • Powered by a 510hp 3.0-litre straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology • Exclusively available in Competition guise with M xDrive all-wheel-drive • World premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2022 • Available to order now, priced from £80,550 RRP
Press Contact.
Helen Wilson
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1252-92-1928
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Author.
Helen Wilson
BMW Group
This article in other PressClubs
The BMW M3 model family is welcoming a Touring addition to the ranks
for the first time, offering an intoxicating blend of exhilarating
performance and practicality.
Offered exclusively in Competition guise with the M xDrive
all-wheel-drive system, the BMW M3 Touring combines that race-car
feeling with a distinctive character and immense versatility.
Power generated by the 510hp six-cylinder in-line engine with M
TwinPower Turbo technology is channelled via the eight-speed M
Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and split between the four
wheels as required. As a result, the BMW M3 Touring delivers
blistering performance at all times both on the road and on the track.
Agility and precision in the familiar BMW M tradition combine with
unrestricted everyday practicality to give the BMW M3 Touring a
distinctive identity showcased by its exterior design.
The BMW M3 Touring is priced from £80,550 RRP with orders open
at BMW retailers now. The highly anticipated M model will celebrate
its global premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday 23 June.
M-specific BMW kidney grille, large air intakes, flared wheel
arches and side skirts
Its M-specific front end ensures the Touring is immediately
recognisable as a member of the M3 family. At its centre is the
vertical black frameless BMW kidney grille dropping down towards the
road, its horizontally arranged M-typical double bars carrying a “M3
Competition” badge. The large intakes positioned in the lower section
of the front apron optimise the supply of air to the drive components
and braking system. The apertures are each split into two sections and
have honeycomb mesh covers.
When viewed from the side, the distinctive proportions of the
Touring blend with its flared wheel arches, characteristic M gills and
extended side skirts. Together with the attachment parts for the front
and rear aprons, the sills form a Black high-gloss band around the
car. This racing-inspired body element teams up with the front spoiler
lip, aero flics for the air curtains and brace covers in the underbody
area to enhance the car’s aerodynamic balance. The exterior mirrors in
M-specific design with a Black high-gloss finish also optimise airflow.
Full-LED headlights with U-shaped fibre-optic light guides for
the daytime driving lights are standard for the BMW M3 Touring, as are
BMW Individual lights Shadow Line with darkened inlays adorning their
upper edges. The optional BMW Laserlight available as part of the
Visibility package can be identified by the blue inlays inside the
headlight units. It includes the cornering light and adaptive
cornering functions with variable road illumination optimised for
urban and motorway driving, plus the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling
High-beam Assistant. At speeds above 37mph, BMW Laserlight increases
high-beam range to a maximum 550 metres and follows the course of the
road dynamically.
The BMW M3 Touring is 85mm longer externally than the BMW 3
Series Touring at 4,794mm, 76mm wider (1,903mm) and 4mm lower
(1,436mm). It also has particularly large light-alloy wheels – 19-inch
at the front, 20-inch at the rear – in double-spoke design as standard
in Jet Black or optionally in bi-colour diamond polished finish. M
forged wheels with a double-spoke design can also be specified as an
option in either bi-colour Jet Black or Orbit Grey matt. Special track
tyres are also available as an option.
M Carbon exterior package accentuates motorsport character
The optional M Carbon exterior package enhances the
race-inspired nature of the BMW M3 Touring. The selection of
high-quality, weight-minimised components comprises inlays for the
front air intakes and a rear diffuser with their own individual
geometry, plus exterior mirror caps in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
A rear compartment with exceptional practicality
Among the elements that set the BMW M3 Touring apart are its
versatility and space. It has three full-size rear seats with the
backrest able to be split 40:20:40, depending on how many passengers
and how much cargo needs to be carried. In this way, the load capacity
of the BMW M3 Touring can grow from 500 litres to 1,510 litres.
Standard specification also includes automatic tailgate
operation as well as a rear window that opens separately as on BMW
Touring models. Options include rubberised anti-slip rails that rise
up from the boot floor after the tailgate has been closed, preventing
items of luggage sliding around when cornering and buttons to
automatically fold the rear seats from the boot. Both features are
also available as part of the optional Comfort pack.
M-specific interior features
The cockpit design combines with M-specific design features
including red colour accents for the M buttons on the M leather
steering wheel and the Start/Stop button on the centre console. The
gear selector lever with Drivelogic switch has a leather surface with
embedded M logo and stitching in BMW M GmbH colours. It also features
an eye-catching cut-out with integrated cascade lighting. An
anthracite-coloured BMW M headliner and interior trim strips in Carbon
Fibre high-gloss are standard.
The Merino leather-trimmed M Sport seats fitted as standard in
the front of the BMW M3 Touring include multi-way electric adjustment
with a memory function, and are also heated. M seat belts with a woven
stripe pattern in BMW M GmbH colours are also included.
Racing flair meets long-distance comfort: M Carbon bucket seats
The optional M Carbon bucket seats fuse racing flair,
lightweight design, and long-distance comfort to unique effect. Also
fully electric and heated, they feature integral head restraints and
an illuminated model badge. The use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic
(CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest
together with the cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head
restraints saves 9.6kg over the standard M Sport seats.
New cockpit design with BMW Curved Display
The BMW Curved Display is made up of a 12.3-inch information
display behind the steering wheel and a control display of 14.9
inches, which merge into a single fully digital and high-resolution
unit behind a frameless glass surface angled towards the driver. A
number of special widgets are also available in the BMW M3 Touring
containing information on the current vehicle setup, as well as tyre
pressure and temperature. The BMW Curved Display enables the number of
buttons and controls to be significantly reduced, with the BMW
Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Operating System 8 permitting
intuitive operation using voice control and the touchscreen.
The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system forms part of the
standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which also adds the BMW
Head-Up Display with M specific readouts. Apple CarPlay® and Android
Auto™ come as standard as does wireless charging. The BMW
ConnectedDrive Upgrades functionality allows new and improved vehicle
functions to be imported into the BMW M3 Touring over the air.
High-quality comfort features and modern functionality
Acoustic glazing for the windscreen, three-zone automatic
climate control, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and
automatically dimming exterior mirrors that also fold in electrically
all come as standard, as do a rain sensor with automatic headlight
activation, customisable ambient lighting, electroplated controls in
the door trim, and the Harman Kardon surround sound system. A heated
steering wheel and Comfort Access, are some of the optional extras.
Six-cylinder in-line engine with instantaneous power delivery
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit stands out with its
urgent power delivery and a healthy appetite for revs. The engine puts
maximum torque of 650Nm between 2,750 and 5,500rpm and produces peak
output of 510hp when the revs hit 6,250rpm. Its red line is 7,200 rpm.
Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Fuel economy (mpg) | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Starting Price OTR |
BMW M3 Touring | 510 | 650 | 3.6 | 155*/174 | 27.2 – 28.0 | 235 – 229 | £80,550 |
All figures relating to performance, fuel consumption and
emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data, fuel
consumption and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German
market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic
configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre
size and items of optional equipment selected.
*Electronically limited.
The straight-six engine powering the BMW M3 Touring also forms
the basis for the unit in the new BMW M4 GT3 endurance racing car. Its
power output, efficiency and track ability are therefore partly down
to numerous components developed on the back of BMW M GmbH’s years of
racing experience. These include a rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free,
closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a
cylinder head with a core manufactured using 3D printing.
Two mono-scroll turbochargers with electronically controlled
wastegates supply compressed air to the combustion chambers. An
indirect intercooler supplied by a low-temperature circuit increases
the effectiveness of the turbocharger. And the direct petrol injection
technology operates at pressures of up to 350 bar with exceptional
precision and efficiency. VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and
Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing likewise form part of the
M TwinPower Turbo technology. Meanwhile, the M-specific exhaust system
with electrically controlled flaps generates a rich soundtrack.
The oil supply system has been designed to handle dynamic
driving during track use. An additional suction stage allows the
map-controlled oil pump to draw lubricant from the smaller chamber,
which steps in when extra capacity is needed.
The engine’s signature M performance profile, combined with the
enhanced traction offered by M xDrive, translates into stunning
acceleration times. The BMW M3 Touring takes just 3.6 seconds to power
from 0 to 62mph and 12.9 seconds to reach 124mph from rest. The sprint
from 50 – 75mph is over in 2.7 seconds (in 4th gear) or 3.5 seconds
(in 5th gear). Opting for the M Driver’s Package increases the
electronically limited top speed from 155 to 174mph.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic fitted
as standard is perfectly attuned to the engine’s performance
characteristics. A direct connection to the engine and remarkably
quick gear shifts lend themselves to a performance-focused driving
style, as do engine speed adjustment on downshifts in automatic mode
and the ability to change straight to the lowest possible gear in
manual mode.
The M Steptronic transmission allows both fully automated gear
changes and manual shifts using the M-specific selector lever or the
standard shift paddles on the steering wheel. Nudging either paddle
allows the driver to temporarily switch from automated to manual mode
in an instant. It is also possible to execute multiple downshifts to
the lowest available gear in manual mode by pulling on the left shift
paddle while pressing the accelerator to the floor. M Steptronic does
not force upshifts under acceleration in manual mode – even when the
engine’s revs hit the limiter.
The driver can use the Drivelogic button integrated into the
selector lever to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with
three clearly distinguishable settings in both automated and manual
mode. As well as a comfort-oriented setup and a setting for sporty
driving, drivers can activate a track-optimised configuration for the
shift characteristics.
M xDrive all-wheel-drive system optimises traction and performance
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically
controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully
variable distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear
wheels. Its rear-wheel bias adds to the M feeling while enhancing both
traction and agility. The system features integrated wheel slip
control for quick adjustments to power transmission. This intensifies
the sense of unruffled poise for which M models are renowned.
Teaming up with the all-wheel drive is the Active M Differential
that ensures fully variable distribution of the drive torque between
the rear wheels. This helps to plant power firmly on the road without
losses, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip
on one side. The M xDrive system and Active M Differential, with its
built-in M-specific traction control, link up with the Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precise interaction.
M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor its characteristics to
their individual preferences. In the default 4WD setting, the
all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction while maintaining a
distinctly rear-biased power split. Activating 4WD Sport mode directs
a greater proportion of torque to the rear wheels, enhancing agility.
The linear build-up of lateral acceleration forces characteristic of M
models now makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can
also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode. In this
setting, drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels, with
traction finely adjusted through ten stages with the standard M
Traction Control feature.
M-specific bracing elements and chassis components
Torsional rigidity is enhanced by specific strengthening links
connecting the strut towers with one another and the nose of the car
and bulkhead. Vertical braces bond the stiffening elements of the
engine compartment to the front axle subframe, whose supporting base
is elevated by a specific connection point in the lower section of the
A-pillar. In addition, the front axle subframe is given extra rigidity
by a single-piece aluminium shear panel with integrated sill braces.
The centre and rear sections of the body incorporate model-specific
underfloor bracing elements including a cross-bar, load compartment
stiffening measures and a bespoke rear axle subframe with a rigid
connection to the body.
The M-specific double-joint spring strut front axle takes into
account the requirements of the all-wheel-drive system. It features
specially adapted axle geometry and an individually tuned steering
ratio. The axle kinematics, the camber, castor and kingpin angles, and
the lowered roll centre are all designed to maximise lateral dynamic
ability while still ensuring well-resolved ride comfort. Aluminium
wishbones with ball joints, an aluminium torque arm with newly
developed mounting, a forged swivel bearing with bespoke spring strut
clamp, and wheel bearings with very high camber stability create an
ideal blend of rigidity and lightweight design at the front axle. The
five-link rear axle has M-specific wheel carriers and wishbones.
M Servotronic steering with variable ratio
The M Servotronic steering delivers accurate turn-in and finely
judged communication of steering commands. The driver can also dip
into the M Setup menu to call up either of the two steering settings.
Comfort mode offers an easy steering feel with precise feedback, while
in Sport mode the feel through the wheel rim and the steering force
required are dialled up noticeably.
The variable ratio that adjusts to changes in steering angle
also helps to give the car excellent directional accuracy through
corners and superb straight-line poise. When the wheels are sharply
turned, the steering rack teeth are positioned more closely together,
so smaller steering inputs are required. As a result, the BMW M3
Touring feels particularly nimble when negotiating tight corners. The
steering effort required when parking is also reduced by the closer
positioning of the rack teeth with large steering angles. And ease of
use is further enhanced at low speeds by the increased power
assistance provided by Servotronic.
Adaptive M suspension optimises traction and ride comfort
Adaptive M suspension is a standard feature of the BMW M3
Touring. Its electronically controlled shock absorbers optimise road
contact and maintain traction. The shock absorber control unit uses
sensors to keep a constant watch on body movements, the condition of
the road and steering adjustments. Electromagnetically controlled
valves act in milliseconds to generate the required damping force –
infinitely variably and for each wheel.
The basic shock absorber characteristics can be adjusted via the
M Setup menu. Comfort mode optimises everyday journeys and long trips
by smoothing out road imperfections. Switching to Sport brings
appreciably stiffer damper responses. Sport Plus mode initiates an
additional damper setting that unlocks maximum performance on smooth
race circuits.
M specific version of the integrated braking system
The powerful M Compound braking system fitted as standard on the
BMW M3 Touring combines six-piston fixed-calliper brakes for the front
wheels with single-piston floating-calliper brakes at the rear. The M
Carbon ceramic brakes available as an option offer even stronger
braking power, a greater ability to withstand fade, enhanced thermal
stability and high resistance to wear.
A shared feature of both brake variants is the integrated
braking system. This system brings together the brake activation,
brake booster and braking control functions within a compact module.
The system allows vehicle deceleration to be geared precisely to the
driver’s requirements while the M-specific version of the system
presents the driver with two pedal feel settings via the Setup menu.
M Traction Control allows drivers to select the degree of
wheel slip
The BMW M3 Touring offers the M Traction Control function as
standard. This allows the driver to set their desired intervention
thresholds for wheel slip when the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is
in 2WD mode. Accessed via the iDrive control/operation system, ten
stages of slip are permitted at the rear wheels.
M Mode button: pure performance at the push of a button
On switching from the default ROAD setting to SPORT mode,
interventions from the driver assistance systems are suspended, with
the exception of inputs from the Collision Warning and the Evasion
Assistant. The TRACK mode designed purely for driving on race circuits
fully deactivates the assistance systems. SPORT and TRACK modes both
reduce the content shown in the information display, while various
readouts can also be called up on the left of the information display,
including charge pressure and coolant temperature, tyre pressure and
tyre temperature or longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
Individual configuration using the Setup button
The Setup button, part of the M-specific control/operation
system, provides direct access to the settings options for the engine,
chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive, enabling the driver to
tailor the overall vehicle setup to their individual preferences. Two
setup variants can be stored, together with the preferred settings for
the engine note, driving stability control, Automatic Start/Stop
function and shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic
transmission. The desired configuration can then be activated at any
time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
M Drive Professional with M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer
Part of M Drive Professional, the M Drift Analyser helps the
driver to sharpen their cornering skills using deliberate oversteer
and precise counter-steering, making a note of the duration, distance
and angle of the driver’s latest drift. The analysis shown on the
control display also includes a score on a scale from one to five
stars and a comparison with the driver’s best drift to date. The M
Laptimer records track lap times, while a readout in the control
display keeps the driver informed of the time margin compared to their
fastest recorded lap.
Intensifying the experience: M Driver’s Pack, M Pro Pack
The M Driver’s Pack raises the electronically limited top speed
of the BMW M3 Touring from 155mph to 174mph. The optional M Pro Pack
comprises M Carbon ceramic brakes and the M Driver’s Pack, taking the
performance experience to new heights.
Driver assistance systems: comfort and safety
The BMW M3 Touring is equipped as standard with Park Distance
Control with sensors at the front and rear, Cruise Control with brake
function, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane
Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the
Attentiveness Assistant, and the Speed Limit Info system.
Also standard is Driving Assistant which adds lane change
warning, rear crossing traffic warning and Rear Collision Prevention
functions. Driving Assistant Professional, meanwhile, features Active
Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Automatic Speed Limit
Assist, , Steering and Lane Control Assistant.
The BMW M3 Touring is available to order now, priced from
£80,550 RRP.
Ends
All figures relating to performance, fuel consumption and
emissions are provisional.All of the stated technical data,
fuel consumption and emissions figures relate to the
offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer ta
vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary
depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected.
The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power consumption
and electric range figures are determined according to the European
Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures
refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany and the range
shown considers the different sizes of wheels/tyres and the range of
optional equipment.
All values were calculated based on the WLTP test cycle. WLTP
values are taken as the basis for determining vehicle-related taxes
or other duties based (at least inter olio) on CO, emissions as well
as eligibility for any applicable vehicle-specific subsidies.
Further information on the WLTP measurement procedures can also be
found at
www.bmw.de/wltp.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and
specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in
the following guideline: 'Leitfoden uber den Kroftstoffverbrouch,
die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrouch neuer Personenkroftwogen'
(Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power
consumption of new passenger cars). which can be obtained free of
charge from Deutsche Automobil Treuhond GmbH (DAT),
Hellmuth-Hirth-St,. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Schornhousen and at
https://www.dot.de/co2.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31
production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a
global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles
and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in
the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to €
111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 118,909 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the
future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and
efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from
the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
www.bmwgroup.com
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For further information please contact:
Helen Wilson
Senior Press Officer
Tel: 07815 372
480
Email: Helen.Wilson@bmw.co.uk
Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815
370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk
Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications
Tel:
07815 371 062
Email: Emma.Begley@bmw.co.uk
Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel:
07815 376 867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk
Article Offline Attachments.
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The new BMW M3 Touring UK Press Release PDF, EN, 2.06 MB
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The first-ever BMW M3 Touring - Specifications. PDF, EN, 431.63 KB